Breathing-Disordered-Sleep
The breathing-related sleep disorders comprise breathing anomalies characterized by chronic or habitual snoring and upper airway resistance. Breathing-related sleep disorders fall into a number of separate diagnoses (obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea, central sleep apnea, sleep-related hypoventilation)
Snoring
Snoring is a common condition characterised by noisy breathing whilst you sleep. Although it can affect anyone, it seems to have more of an affinity for men, people who are overweight and tend to get worse with age. Occasional snoring isn’t usually a serious problem but rather a nuisance for your bed partner. However, long-term snoring not only disrupts the sleep patterns of those close to you but also affects your own sleep quality. Snoring can itself be a symptom of a health problem like obstructive sleep apnea.
UARS
Upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) is caused by a slowing or blockage of air in the nasal passages during sleep, disrupting it and causing fatigue. Symptoms of UARS are similar to those of obstructive sleep apnea, but not inherently overlapping. Fatigue, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, unrefreshing sleep, ADHD, anxiety, and frequent awakenings during sleep are the most common symptoms.
OSA
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is one of three main types of sleep-disordered breathing which are manifested in sleep apnoea. OSA is a common disorder characterised by repetitive upper airway collapse during sleep resulting in apnoeas (cessation of airflow) and hypopneas (reduced airflow). The primary indications of upper airway obstruction are:
- lack of muscle tone during sleep
- excess tissue in the upper airway
- the structure of the upper airway and jaw
OSA determined by polysomnography is highly prevalent, affecting 25% of men and 10% of women in the United States although most are asymptomatic.
